Kelly Dyksterhouse

I do have one specific #mswl , as I was reminded tonight at our agency AMA. Think Downton Abbey meets Cosy Fantasy. I don’t care what happens in the throne room, the prince and princess and saving the world, etc. Give me the drama of the downstairs cast in the unseen halls and castle kitchens.

I am not a fit for contemporary issue books in MG, Sci-fi, or books that deal with grief or a character coming to terms with the death of a parent or grandparent.

In YA I am not currently looking for contemporary stories, rom-coms, sci-fi, or straight dystopian.

As always, I love contained settings with lush writing and would love a book set in a competitive sub-culture.

Looking forward to reading all that comes my way!

For #YA , I'm on the hunt for an unforgettable voice. High-concept stories that can be summarized in a single sentence, grounded fantasy, historical fantasy, unique paranormal, and historical with high stakes and universal themes from an underserved viewpoint or unique time in history.

For #MG think of me for spies! heists! and high stakes adventure. I am looking for standout voice, laugh out loud moments, and irresistible characters. I'd love MG fantasy in my inbox, but it needs to feel fresh and new. And I am interested in younger MG with illustrative potential.

#amquerying #kidlit #writers ! I will be open to queries May 1-7! I am just about through February's queries, and have a several fulls on deck, so if you haven't heard from me, I am still considering. For May, I thought I would do a little #mswl . This month I am looking for #MG and #YA --

I’m not a fit for: sci-fi, grief stories, stories that personify death in some way, and pb that “teach a lesson.” Right now I am being very selective in contemporary YA and MG.

In #PB I’m on the lookout for funny, child-centered books with a clear narrative arc and amazing character who could possibly carry more than one story. I’m not looking for PB bios right now, but am open to NF that surprises, especially if it involves the natural sciences.

For #YA , I’m really on the lookout for a cozy fantasy, fantasy with immersive world building, dark academia, and would love a fresh take on vampires or the Eternal One trope.

For #MG , it’s all about the voice and high stakes adventure for me.

Thanks to manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social for organizing #MSWL day! I’m open from 1-7 of every month and here is what I’ll be looking for in March:

I rep PB-YA and gravitate towards projects that have a clear, commercial hook and a captivating voice. 🧵

#YA : again, I’m looking for high concept stories with a strong hook, cozy fantasy with a strong voice and unforgettable characters, unique or fresh take on vampires or the eternal one trope. Cryptids? I want to believe.

Looking forward to reading your work!!

#MG : stories with a strong hook, fast-paced adventure, grounded fantasy, first crush or light romance—particularly on the hunt for stories by marginalized authors.

I’ll be opening to queries Feb 1-7 so thought I’d update my #mswl for a few things I’m particularly on the lookout for.

#PB : laugh out loud stories with a clear narrative arc, clever wordplay, twist endings, memorable characters. I’ll be open to both text only and author-illustrators this month.

PB—at this time I’m only looking for author-illustrators and illustrators. I’m looking for work that has a strong narrative arc and clearly centers the child reader.

MG: I’d love fresh fantasy with fantastic voice, contemporary adventure along the lines of James Ponti’s works, shorter illustrated works for younger readers, and I’m always looking to laugh.

YA: high stakes fantasy with atmospheric setting, a cozy fantasy that makes me laugh and gives me all the feels, a story set in a competitive subculture, and I’m always open to a fresh take on vampires or the “eternal ones” trope.

Hello 2025~I’m back in the office and open to queries this week! #amquerying #kidlit #writers #illustrators , I’d love to see your #YA , #MG , narrative NF proposals, and #PBs . I’ve updated my #MSWL , but some particular things I’d love to see in my inbox:

I am drawn toward books with a commercial hook and gorgeous writing, books that say something new and demand a place on the shelf. I’m so excited to read what you send me!

I am so excited to be opening to queries again! I will be open beginning tomorrow, June 3-June 10. #amquerying #writers , my #MSWL remains much the same but this month I am especially on the hunt for #YA and #mg genre fiction from diverse perspectives.

Please check out my #mswl page, #PM page, or website for more detail about the kinds of projects I’m on the hunt for. If you think we’d be a fit, I’d love to read your work! (4/4)